Cardinal Tagle celebrates Mass at New Bilibid Prison for the birthday of Pope Francis

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle officiated a thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Holiness Pope Francis at the maximum security of the New Bilibid Prison in Mandaluyong City on December 17, 2016.

In an interview with Cardinal Tagle by Radio Veritas, he said, he told the Pope that he will celebrate Mass for his birthday inside the New Bilibid Prison. He added that those people behind bars have a special place in the heart of the Pope. His Holiness believes that these human are still entitled to live life anew.

In his message to the Holy Father during the interview, Cardinal Tagle expressed that the Filipinos are thankful for having a Pope of mercy and compassion.

“Our beloved Pope Francis, happy birthday it’s your 80th birthday today and we the Filipino people are full of gratitude to god for giving a gift of a pastor, of a holy and humble person in you.”

The Cardinal also said that the inmates in the detention area appreciate the efforts of His Holiness in letting them feel the mercy and compassion of God to people like them who are about to lose hope in life.

“I just celebrated your thanksgiving mass here in the maximum security prison of the Bureau of Corrections of the Philippines. It was a lively mass with the inmates and residence and when I told them that it is your birthday today wow, they erupted into joy and they shouted happy birthday Pope Francis. I know how much you love them, I know how much you want them to experience God’s mercy and they appreciate that and so with them we greet you a happy and blessed birthday, Viva il Santo Padre.”